Michael Cahill
Kerry · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I call on the Minister for housing and local government to intervene in a most urgent matter in County Kerry where subcontractors to Uisce Éireann are being left to wait for two, three or four months without being paid for work that has been carried out. This is not acceptable.”
“With delayed payments, interest should be applied to overdue accounts paid to contractors similar to local authorities, utilities and other bodies that have this payment system. Why not Uisce Éireann? Why should it be allowed to get off scot-free especially with the manner in which it is blackguarding contractors and subcontractors?”
“This is inexcusable. It must be addressed immediately. Contractors and subcontractors to Uisce Éireann are experiencing unacceptable delays. There are huge issues with issuing purchase orders, POs - orders are issued weekly and often contractors wait two months to get PO.”
“On contacting payables by email, contractors are told invoices were not processed or picked up from the previous Monday and there is no payment on the Friday. Furthermore, there is no payment run at the end of the month, which means contractors are waiting another couple of weeks which has been the case.”
“People are flabbergasted by these quotations. People are expected to pay that while contractors are not being paid by Irish Water. They are waiting four months. Uisce Éireann is well able to charge people, but when it comes to payments it is a totally different story.”
“Will the Minister of State please request that Uisce Éireann addresses this incompetence in its payment systems and work with contractors to address these issues?”
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“My appeal on behalf of the people of south Kerry and Iveragh is that we protect their livelihoods, protect our incomes, and protect their jobs by keeping Skellig Michael open to passenger landings for 2025 until a solution is found to the present impasse. This is the second time today that I have raised this hugely important issue for the people of south Kerry, and of the county, in Dáil Éireann. I raised the matter earlier with the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, and I am again pleading with the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, OPW, to intervene and get Skellig Michael open for business as usual on 10 May. I am delighted to have been appointed by An Taoiseach as Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on tourism and in this regard the issue of licences and the opening of Skellig Michael to visitor landings is absolutely vital.”
“Landings must be allowed to continue as the economy of south Kerry and Iveragh, an area bereft of any other large employment, is liable to collapse completely and it would, in all seriousness, find it nearly impossible to recover from. It would cause the closure of many small businesses as they would not be viable and many families would be without partial, or full, income in some instances. Landings on Skellig Michael are subject to fair weather conditions. Every year, days are lost due to high winds, rough seas and storms. It is critical that Skellig Michael is open to visitors landing on the rock on 10 May. Every day lost is money out of the pockets of those involved in tourism and employed in this important area in our county.”
“I now call for the awarding of 18 temporary licences, confined to ten passengers each, keeping the 180 passenger cap to ensure this season can be operated for the good of all concerned and on a one-season basis only. Full licences will be reverted to the usual from 2026 onwards. Every bed and breakfast, guesthouse, hotel, shop, filling station, restaurant, bar and coffee shop between Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Valentia Island, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Castlecove and Sneem depend on Sceilg Mhichíl for much of their annual income and livelihood and its visitors. If the influx of visitors attracted by Skellig Michael is stopped by landing licences not being issued, it will have an enormously detrimental effect on the local economy.”
“Skellig Michael, or Sceilg Mhichíl, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The rock on which monks lived, worked and prayed hundreds of years ago is named after the Archangel Michael. We all could do with a little help from him. Skellig Michael's place in the history and culture of Kerry and Ireland is undisputed but it is also vital to the local economy of south Kerry, Iveragh and the whole county. It attracts visitors from all over the world and even more so since the filming in recent years of some of the "Star Wars" films there. Landing passengers on the island requires a licence and these are confined to 15 boats carrying 12 passengers each. That is 180 passengers per day. Last year, temporary licences were awarded to 15 operators.”
“The review also recommended an extension of the RSS to environmental initiatives and that consideration be given to the feasibility of establishing a grant fund that would be available for work on biodiversity initiatives. Is that happening? I wish to avail of this opportunity to call for better pay and conditions for he supervisors who run these important schemes and without whom the RSS would not be the great success story that it is today.”
“I thank the Minister. I welcome the proposed increase in age limits. That is welcome. The scheme should now be made more flexible to include all people living in rural Ireland on low incomes. The RSS delivers to rural communities key community services including the maintenance of sporting facilities, community recreation areas and waymarked walking routes. Declining participation since 2019 is causing a concern that rural communities may be left without key community services. The report includes 19 recommendations to address the sustainability of the RSS to continue providing income support. Will the Minister provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations on income support?”
“This review was to look at the role of the RSS and its ongoing relevance in the changing landscape, the funding and resourcing required, along with the appropriate governance and management arrangements. The key findings from the RSS report include that the RSS provides an important social inclusion and income support function for low-income farmers and fisherpersons.”
“The question is to ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to provide increased flexibility in the rural social scheme and if he will make a statement on the matter. The rural social scheme was introduced in the first instance by former Minister Éamon Ó Cuív in 2004. I pay tribute to him for that. Of course, he was the first ever full Cabinet Minister with a specific brief for rural Ireland. I wish to thank all the participants and their supervisors in County Kerry for the tremendous work they have carried out for a number of years and for making our county an even better place to live. Last year, a report on the review of the RSS was published.”
“They would be confined to ten passengers each, keeping in line with the cap of 180, to ensure the season operates for the good of all concerned, on a one-season-only basis and with full licences to be reverted to in 2026. This is exceedingly important to bed and breakfast accommodation, guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, bars and coffee shops all over south Kerry. This needs to be resolved. Visiting the island is weather dependent.”
“Skellig Michael, where monks lived, worked and prayed hundreds of years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its place in the history and culture of Kerry and Ireland is undisputed but it is also vital to the local economy of south Kerry, the Iveragh Peninsula and, indeed, the whole country. It attracts visitors from all over the world, even more so since the filming of the "Star Wars" series there in recent years. It is amazing for the local economy. The landing of passengers on the island requires a licence. At present, that is confined to 15 boats carrying 12 passengers, which amounts to 180 passengers per day. Last year, temporary licences were awarded to 15 operators. I am calling for the awarding of 18 licences to get us over the impasse that is there at the moment.”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed response and the work he is doing in this area. I would like to briefly mention Kerry ETB, of which I was a member for many years. I know first-hand the tremendous variety of courses provided there. I would like to take this opportunity to ask the Minister to increase the number of courses provided in all of our colleges, not just in Kerry but throughout the country. I believe that is important. I mentioned middle and low income earners and how difficult it is to pay for and acquire accommodation at short notice. I would like to see an effort being made in that regard to give better incentives, more time and improved assistance for families if at all possible. I again thank the Minister for his response.”
“I appreciate that the Government has put significant resources into dealing with the backlog in the system, which is falling significantly. Credit is due here and I urge the Government to continue to work on that. However, I ask the Minister and his Department to work to find a solution for those apprentices travelling long distances to training centres by allocating increased resources to build capacity in current training centres and develop new training facilities across the country. Another issue is the short notice when trying to acquire accommodation, in particular given the national housing crisis.”
“They are only permitted to request a reschedule up to three times. When an offer is refused, the length of the delay will be specific to when the next available scheduled class is due to commence. It is my understanding that there is no guarantee that a closer location would be available for those who request it. It is clear from speaking to constituents in County Kerry that apprentices are being sent unacceptable distances for their necessary training. This issue disproportionately affects rural and working-class families and those without personal transport. The current system discourages these individuals from pursuing careers in their desired trades at a time when we are facing a huge shortage of skilled labour.”
“I would like to address the issue of the national apprenticeship training placement system. I understand apprenticeship scheduling is currently carried out on a national basis by co-ordinating providers and all efforts are made to schedule apprentices to their nearest available training location. If this is not possible, they will be called to the next nearest available location. However, the system is restricted by the availability of training spaces within the pool of college providers for the craft in question. In some instances, apprentices in Kerry have been assigned to a programme in Dundalk and apprentices in Dundalk to programmes in Kerry. There are similar cases elsewhere. Apprentices are entitled to request rescheduling should a college location not be their preference.”
“We need to give young people the opportunity to build their own home on their own land. At the moment it is like climbing a mountain with no path. It is frustrating, it is discouraging and it is impossible for young people today.”
“As I said before, it is bordering on criminal that people who have their own land, where there are no traffic hazards and no percolation or wastewater treatment issues, cannot obtain planning permission. We are forcing people onto our housing lists. This needs to be addressed. Another issue to address are the national primary and secondary routes in this context. Unless a road is under the speed limit of 60 km/h one cannot obtain planning permission. Where there are existing laneways and roadways people should be able to access the national primary or secondary roads. It is creating no extra traffic. The people I talk about are coming in and out of those laneways and roads every day of the week. They only want to live at home, work at home and live near their family and friends. There is a need for planning reform.”
“There is a growing need for low-cost sites. It will help in addressing the housing crisis. It might not be the only solution but it will give young people a chance to secure their first home in every part of the country, especially in my county of Kerry. The area is under significant pressure, including around towns such as Killarney, Cahirsiveen, Killorglin and Castleisland. We have huge issues with planning. I like the idea the Minister mentioned about introducing a maverick. I hope he or she will be successful. It will require something like that to address the housing crisis. We need to free up planning permission for our own people who are landowners' and farmers' sons and daughters.”
“Many properties have taken a major hit. Businesses that have struggled will simply not survive. I will point out that not all farmers are covered by TAMS, as Deputies stated. They need to be covered as well. I am talking about active farmers. Businesses are vital to our economy but so is the farming community. I have been contacted by numerous farmers all over County Kerry, including Kilcummin, Beaufort, Killarney, Killorglin, Glencar, the parish of Glenbeigh where I live, Dromod, Cahersiveen, Brosna, Gneevgullia, Tuosist, Dingle, Rathmore, Lauragh, Kenmare, Barraduff - I might as well mention the last couple - Ballydavid, Knocknagoshel, Castleisland, Scartaglen, Ventry, Farranfore, Ballinskelligs, Waterville and Valentia Island. I have been contacted by farmers and businesses throughout mid, south, east and west Kerry.”
“Not all were fully covered by insurance and, therefore, many of these properties cannot be repaired or replaced quickly enough, if cash funds are not available. We need to have our farmers and businesses back up and running as quickly as possible so that they can survive. Many properties have taken a major hit and emergency support is needed now. Many businesses are struggling to survive. We need to provide a simple application process and proper funding to cover their losses. Many farmers in County Kerry have suffered huge losses, including lost sheds, roofs, etc., in every corner of the county. Farmers need help now. I spoke to the Minister for agriculture about this, and while the replacement of sheds and roofs later this year is obviously welcome, action is needed now. These sheds need to be replaced now. I call for that.”
“Storm Éowyn caused enormous damage. We are all aware of the difficulties and hardships so many households, farmers and businesses experienced as a result of this unprecedented storm. The humanitarian assistance scheme introduced by the Minister, Dara Calleary, was most welcome. I thank him for that and for moving so swiftly. Extreme weather events are more common today than ever before. I welcome the fact that the programme for Government has a commitment to develop an extreme weather event assistance scheme for homes, community organisations, farmers and businesses. I am aware that up to 27 March of this year, 28,000 claims had been awarded and more than €6.8 million paid out in respect of Storm Éowyn. The amount of damage done to homes, garages, farms, sheds, warehouses and businesses by Storm Éowyn was extensive.”
“It is simply not good enough and I ask that the people of west Kerry and Dingle get what they deserve. Community hospitals are all about community, yet there is this idea of splitting them apart with a two and a half hour drive to get from one area to another to visit a loved one. Being able to visit that loved on in the immediate community is what we should be striving for. I ask that every effort be made and that the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, whom I thank for his time and response, contact the Minister of State for older people directly about addressing this most urgent matter as soon as possible.”
“I ask the Minister of State to get directly in touch with the Minister of State with responsibility for older people. The reply is pretty much the same as that received by the former Deputy for Kerry, Brendan Griffin, last January 12 months. It is not acceptable or fair on the staff in West Kerry Community Hospital, including the doctors and nurses, its patients and, indeed, the patients' families. I ask that every effort be made to open the 79 beds and to provide staffing levels. I referred to patients in Kenmare Community Hospital from west Kerry and patients in Dingle Community Hospital who were from Kenmare. It is only a case of switching them around. It is not rocket science. I ask that the Minister of State take this matter up as soon as possible please and address it. Families are stressed out over it.”
“When the subject of West Kerry Community Hospital was raised at the beginning of last year, it was said that the intention of the HSE was to continue to sustain the current workforce and to maintain the 46 beds in the centre. It was also said that considerable efforts were being made to increase staff numbers and bed capacity in west Kerry as well as to facilitate clear pathways for the transition of patients from the acute sector to the community. Will the Minister of State provide me with an update on this most important ongoing issue in west Kerry?”
“This is especially upsetting in the context of those patients from the Gaeltacht being sent to hospitals outside of their own environment, feeling undermined and lost when they cannot communicate with fellow speakers of Gaeilge. This can be confusing for our senior citizens who are used to speaking Irish 24-7. On staffing levels, I am aware that the direct care ratio has not been reviewed since 2016 and that staff who have retired have not been replaced. Residents, their families and the staff in Dingle in west Kerry have been let down and I would go as far as to say forgotten. Action is required now in West Kerry Community Hospital, beds need to be opened and proper staffing levels need to be provided.”
“I am aware of cases where patients from Kenmare, following discharge from hospital, have been transferred to Dingle Community Hospital and vice versa . In the process, these patients have bypassed a number of community hospitals much nearer to their local communities. I want to emphasise that, for the families visiting these patients, it is a five-hour return trip. The idea of having to travel two and a half hours each way is absolutely outrageous. To have to travel that long distance to visit loved ones should not be acceptable and should be addressed as soon as possible. The solution is not rocket science and common sense must prevail.”
“As the Minister of State is aware, staffing and beds in all our hospitals is a huge issue. This is not just the case in our large acute hospitals but also in all our community hospitals, and West Kerry Community Hospital is no different. A provision was once made for 71 beds in West Kerry Community Hospital. It was capped at 36 beds, and there are only 42 open today, which means there should be room for a further 29 beds. GPs in Dingle and throughout west Kerry have been endeavouring to secure beds for patients throughout the peninsula. It is important to open this wing for the purpose it was built for and provide a valued service for all the people of Dingle and west Kerry. In that context, West Kerry Community Hospital is not fulfilling the purpose for which it was developed.”
“-----the State a huge service. They have not had a break in several months, even for a night or two. Excellent services and facilities are on site, as well as suitable land for future and further development. Our ambition should be to develop a super respite centre in Beaufort. It is an ideal location in the heart of mid-Kerry.”
“St. Francis Special School at Beaufort, County Kerry, is a fantastic facility. We should be striving to develop a centre of excellence there for respite facilities for children with special needs and all types of disability. These services are under threat throughout County Kerry. It was recently announced that day services at Cahersiveen, based in a building purchased by a local charity group there, Cúnamh Iveragh, are to be curtailed. The lands at Whitefield, Beaufort, were generously donated by the Doyle family many years ago, specifically for children with disabilities and special needs. In the recent past, there were moves to close St. Mary of the Angels at Beaufort. Respite is a huge problem in every corner of County Kerry. There is a massive shortage of beds for children and their carers, who are at the end of their tether.”
“Will the Taoiseach also confirm that the Government fully supports the project, which I believe is the correct way forward for Ireland, especially during the circumstances that prevail in eastern Europe?”
“After years of campaigning, yesterday was a fantastic day for Kerry and Ireland, and especially for north Kerry, with the granting of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to Shannon LNG for a 600 MW power plant on the Tarbert-Ballylongford land bank. It will create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and more than 100 permanent jobs thereafter. This decision is fully consistent with the climate action plan and will be a lifeline and game-changer for the north Kerry region, similar to the south Kerry greenway in the southern part of the county. With the completion of the security of supply review two weeks ago, will the Government confirm there is no policy objection to a private sector gas terminal?”
“Following budget 2025, the carer's allowance income disregard will be increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple from July 2025. How many additional carers are now likely to qualify on the basis of this change? Does the Minister intend to increase the disregard year on year, over five budgets?”
“Recent media reports suggest the cost of abolishing the means test for carer's allowance is in the region of €3 billion per annum. I understand that is the Department's own estimate. In the Minister's opinion, how definitive is this estimate? In March 2023, the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated the cost of fully abolishing the means test at €397 million. It also costed raising the income threshold so that all households earning under €100,000 would qualify for carer's allowance at €387 million. In 2024, the Parliamentary Budget Office, using new CSO data from 2022, provided three costing scenarios - low, central and high - which gave an annual cost estimate at the central level of €375.3 million. In April 2024, the Department of Social Protection estimated the additional cost of abolishing the means test at €600 million.”
“I too congratulate the Minister on his recent appointment and wish him the very best going forward. Carers do great work and a provide a great service for the State. In that context, means-testing for the carer's allowance should be phased out. What are the Minister's plans for the phasing out of the means test?”
“Therefore, what do we need to do moving forward? First, we need to continue supporting the activities and initiatives that encourage people to stay active. We need to make sure that there are more opportunities for people to engage in physical activity no matter their age or ability. Programmes like the active ageing initiative should be expanded, and we should continue to provide support for local sports clubs, fitness classes and wellness initiatives that promote health for everyone.”
“When we talk about the future of healthcare, it is important to recognise that it is not just about the medical system we have in place. It is about creating communities where people are encouraged to take care of their physical and mental health. We can look to countries like Finland and Japan to see how others have incorporated wellness practices into daily life. In Finland, the sauna has long been part of the culture, offering not only physical benefits but a space for social connection and relaxation. Similarly, Japan’s approach to healthy ageing is based on staying active, finding purpose and engaging with life at every stage. We can learn a lot from these places, where health is seen not just in terms of treating illness, but in prevention, self-care and community support, and it is clear that in Kerry, we are on the right track.”
“Sea swimming, in particular, has become something of a local tradition, with many people now swimming all year round, enjoying not just the physical benefits but the sense of community it brings. It is not just about individual activities, however. Our county has also seen an increase in community-based initiatives that support health and well-being for people of all ages. The active ageing initiative, led by Kerry County Council, is one example. This programme encourages older people to stay active and engaged whether through walking groups, fitness classes, or social activities. It is about making sure that people can remain fit and active throughout their lives and that no-one feels isolated or left behind.”
“I, too, would like to be associated with the good wishes to the Minister. I wish her the very best going forward. I have no doubt her heart is in the right place. In County Kerry, we are fortunate to have so many opportunities to stay active and look after ourselves. Our beautiful surroundings, from the sea to the mountains, naturally encourage us to get outside, walk, swim and explore. More than just our environment, however, we are also seeing a real shift in how people here approach health and well-being. Over the past few years, activities like sauna use, sea swimming and fitness have really taken off in our county. Whether it is a swim in the Atlantic or a relaxing sauna session after a brisk walk, people are realising the physical and mental benefits of these simple practices.”
“I am finishing. Ireland's response to the Ukrainian crisis in Ukraine has been admirable. However, we must continue to adapt, learn and approach the challenges with a spirit of solidarity and care for all. Let us not forget that behind every policy, every decision----”
“----with no consideration for their emotional or mental well-being. This is both heartless and impractical. I urge the Government to reconsider this approach immediately. Decisions that affect people's lives, especially vulnerable children----”
“This disruption is not just inconvenient, it is deeply damaging. These children and families have already endured the trauma of displacement, have finally started to rebuild their lives in safety and now they are being asked to uproot again----”
“These families have become part of Cahersiveen town, building relationships, overcoming the language barrier, securing employment, joining the local GAA teams and contributing to the fabric of society there. Now, however, these same families are being informed through sudden emails that they must relocate, often with little or no notice and usually just before a bank holiday weekend, it must be said.”
“These vital services, essential to the well-being of both refugees and our own citizens, must be supported, expanded and improved. Investing in these areas is an investment in our future, a future where everyone regardless of their background has access to the opportunities and services they need to thrive. I want also to highlight the experience of one of our local communities, which reflects the broader picture of what we face. The people of a town in Kerry in March 2022 welcomed 50 Ukrainian pupils into their schools, increasing their student population by 50% overnight. This was a significant challenge to their teachers, staff, students and the entire community, yet through immense efforts, goodwill and unwavering community support, they made it a success.”
“Ireland can be proud of our Government's and our people's efforts to provide sanctuary to the displaced citizens of Ukraine. We have extended a welcome and have provided homes to those who have lost everything. In this time of crisis, we have stepped up. While we face challenges accommodating large numbers of people in need, managing our resources and updating our facilities, we have learned and adapted. Ireland's response remains grounded in humanity. I urge us all to continue to treat these refugees with compassion, despite the voices of doubt and division that surround us. However, there are still areas that need urgent attention, and our healthcare, transport, and housing services are under immense pressure.”
“I welcome the Ukrainian ambassador, Larysa Gerasko, and all the Ukrainian people here today. I wish to extend a very warm, special welcome and céad míle fáilte to Misha, the ten-year-old boy who is now a fluent Gaeilgeoir after a very short two years and who plays the bosca ceoil. I welcome his sister, Varvara, his mum Hanna and her partner from Ballyferriter in west Kerry, Dónal Ó Catháin. It is an absolutely tremendous story and it shows the way the Irish people and the Ukrainian people have interacted. It is a credit to our schools and teachers and our Government to be fair about it. As we mark the third anniversary of the tragic war on Ukraine, it is important to reflect not only on the suffering and hardship endured by the Ukrainian people but also on Ireland's response to the refugee crisis.”
“A Kerry student who spent four years in a school before it opened its unit was lost, withdrawn, anxious and prone to complete meltdowns from the stress of trying to engage and to keep up with her class. She is a different girl today.”
“We have two special education classes in Kerry for primary school children who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, there are no classes for second level students. I cannot understand how the Department of Education does not see that there is a need for continuation of supports for second level, particularly when students are faced with learning so many new subjects and also when they are at an age when, in terms of their mental health, they can struggle to cope with so many challenges. Every child is precious and deserves to be helped in every way to reach their full potential. Deaf children need full access to education. Technology can only do so much. Deaf children still miss out on so much.”
“The family in question informed me that it was the first time ever they had received any assistance. They have been fighting for services and equipment for their son all their lives. People in such circumstances deserve assistance and getting rid of means testing will be one small way of helping them.”
“Home carers, district nurses, home helps and respite care are all vital parts of having our health service delivered partly at home. We must finance provision of these services as this system suits patients being at home where they want to be. It is also cheaper and easier to deliver for the State. We should also drop means testing for disabled person's grants and mobility aid grants. I welcome and acknowledge the recent improvements in this area. I can confirm, for example, that in County Kerry there were only four cases that were over the income threshold last year. I am aware of a case in Killarney whereby a family was shot down for a stairlift. Under the recent changes, they qualified for a grant of €2,150 or approximately 40% of the total cost of the stairlift.”
“The Minister will be aware that there is an enormous need for carers to look after our senior citizens, children and disabled people in the home. Being subject to a means test is an obstacle to bringing carers into the system. Does the Minister agree that a means test in this situation serves no purpose and should be dispensed with as soon as possible? I am aware that doing so is included in the programme for Government. That is very welcome. Carers are an invaluable resource to the State and therefore need to be protected and encouraged. Can we ensure that this protection and support and encouragement are provided to carers with the dropping of the means test? In conjunction with our carers, are we committed to employing many more district nurses, for which there are many vacancies in north, south, east and west Kerry?”
“There is also an urgent need for a permanent oncology and haematology building as the patients requiring chemotherapy are increasing year-on-year with more than 5,000 patients treated there last year. Patients would not have to travel to Cork if we could accommodate them in Kerry. This is obviously very important.”